Read

John 5:1-47
Mark 2:23-3:6
Matthew 12:1-21
Luke 6:1-11

Luke 6:9-11, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?’ He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.”

Think

Have you ever disrupted the norm, shaken things up, and raised some eyebrows for a noble cause? If so, you’re in good company because that’s what Jesus did! The Pharisees considered themselves the lords of the sabbath. They created hundreds of rules and then wandered around looking to accuse those who did not conform. Jesus made it clear that they were NOT from God and declared that He was the Lord of the Sabbath.

Jesus allowed his disciples to pluck wheat to eat when they were hungry and healed a crippled man’s hand, opposing what the Pharisees deemed appropriate Sabbath activities. Seeing their disapproval, He got to the heart of the matter by asking a question meant to guide them past the regulations to the greater picture of good versus evil, life versus death. The Pharisees were so caught up and concerned thinking Jesus was being heretical that their stubborn and prideful hearts couldn’t see that He was actually holy. Jesus had come as their long-awaited Savior, but they refused to humble themselves and surrender to His lordship.

Isn’t it true that many of us today get so sidetracked by religious rituals that we miss out on an authentic relationship with Christ? Living to please God, not man, is what matters. So, don’t let pride and comfort, or even rules and traditions, keep you from truly following the Lord. Maybe it’s time to shake things up!

Pray

Help me, Lord, to lay down everything before You at this moment. What would my life look like if it was completely devoted to You? I entrust my heart, my life, my everything to You. Amen.